Backpack

[ReneandGeorgetteMagritte]

Right, this isn't exactly S&B, although DS may beg to differ.

He needs a backpack for school, but so far each one we have had the zip has broken, we have got through three in a year and a half and each of them have been decent makes- surfy labels likes Animal etc, and not cheap.

As it has been the zip each time, I thought it would be good to have a top loading type of rucksack like a hiking one, either with a flap or a roll top type of closure.
This is where the problem lies- DS does not want a hiking type one (not cool), although he isn't bothered about 'labels' at all.

So I am looking for a rucksack which has the fastening of a hiking one, but with the look of a surf type one iyswim?

Poor you, I sympathise! I got fed-up with zip closures too - my youngest has a "Lackner" but have just had a look and it is a bit hike-y. On the plus side it has a raincover ... on the minus side it is orange ... on the plus side, he is only 10 and doesn't care.

What about this one? Pretty anonymous but it doesn't have all those hike-y bits (skipole holders etc!) and it's available in black. He could personalise?

Also, tell him if he's not more amenable he'll be getting this one ...!

Jansport bags are the popular choice around here, well made and can take alot of punishment. My Ds has had his for 3 years and it's still going strong.

The Oakley Kitchen Sink

DH has had his for around 3 years now, he carries around two 15" macbook pros, an SLR camera, external hard drive, an assortment of cables and power supplies and a tonne of paperwork in it on a daily basis and it's still going strong. It's not in any way cheap but it's the only backpack he's had that's stood up to the daily wear and tear of a london commute carrying so much weight I can barely lift it.

Thanks ooer, sadly he was more impressed with the panda one than the other

kaumanaI have seen the Jansport bags and wondered how tough they were. I think I will try one this time if I can't find one that is zip free

LtheWife, he didn't even like that one once I told him how much it was worth! I am not showing it to DH, I get the feeling he would need one

There must be a surf style backpack without a zip mustn't there?

I think LtheWife and I have similar sons! I might have a closer look at the Oakley one myself as the Jansport is getting too small for all the gear he has to carry around!